As I mention elsewhere, both can be true.

The CDC itself isn't majorly affected and day-to-day operations can continue as normal following the standard playbook. Especially at the local and state level.

However, the Federal pandemic response teams have been gutted, positions not filled, and so we don't have the leadership to coordinate a nationwide response as new facts are discovered by the Executive Branch.

"In 2018, the Trump administration fired the government’s entire pandemic response chain of command, including the White House management infrastructure." isn't covered by your response...